Earth Science Unit 4: Astronomy Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which explanation of the solar system best fits the observations of the planets and how they orbit the sun?

The planets were formed by random collisions in space.

The planets were formed separately and later captured by the sun.

The sun and planets formed from a collapsing spinning cloud of gas and dust. (correct)

The planets were created by a series of large explosions.

What is formed from leftovers in the solar system?

comet

Which scientist determined that the farther a planet is from the sun, the longer it takes to orbit the sun?

Kepler

What object is made of frozen gas, ice, and dust that orbits in the outermost reaches of the solar system?

Kuiper Belt object Signup and view all the answers

What is true for both gas planets and terrestrial planets?

They are a round shape Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following has the highest energy?

Gamma rays Signup and view all the answers

Which feature indicated a period of heavy bombardment followed by a period of low bombardment in our solar system?

The low crater density of the lunar maria Signup and view all the answers

Which path is the correct path of light through a reflecting telescope?

primary mirror→secondary mirror→eyepiece→eye Signup and view all the answers

When a sunlike star's hydrogen runs out, at first it expands into __________.

a red giant Signup and view all the answers

Which type of radiation would you look for in a star to demonstrate that nuclear fusion was occurring inside?

gamma rays Signup and view all the answers

Which classification describes the Milky Way?

Regular spiral Signup and view all the answers

Which object would best be identified by a periodic Doppler shift in a star's spectrum along with a dip in the star's light intensity?

planet Signup and view all the answers

How do scientists know that the universe is expanding?

The galaxies are moving away from each other, and the temperatures are decreasing. Signup and view all the answers

At what position of the earth in its orbit is it summertime in the Northern Hemisphere?

Position 1 Signup and view all the answers

What planet is the closest to the sun?

Mercury Signup and view all the answers

Mercury's high density suggests what?

That it has a large nickel iron core Signup and view all the answers

What planet has no moons?

Venus Signup and view all the answers

What planet is the brightest?

Venus Signup and view all the answers

How does Venus rotate?

Venus rotates clockwise Signup and view all the answers

What planet gives us reasons to suggest it was tectonically active 3 billion years ago?

Mars Signup and view all the answers

There is reason to believe there is what on Mars?

Ice Signup and view all the answers

What 2 planets have similar atmospheres?

Mars and Venus Signup and view all the answers

What planets are the inner planets?

Mercury, Venus, Mars, Earth Signup and view all the answers

What planet is 98% of the mass of all the planets in the solar system?

Jupiter Signup and view all the answers

Name the characteristics of the outer planets?

They all have some kind of rings and are cold Signup and view all the answers

What planet has a big red spot?

Jupiter Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest planet?

Saturn Signup and view all the answers

What planet has a different rotational axis than the rest of the planets?

Saturn Signup and view all the answers

Which planet spins on its side?

Uranus Signup and view all the answers

Which planet has very tiny rings?

Uranus Signup and view all the answers

What planet was predicted before it was discovered?

Neptune Signup and view all the answers

Where does Neptune's blue color come from?

The methane gas in the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

From Earth we always see the same side of the moon?

True Signup and view all the answers

Name the 2 kinds of terrain found on the moon?

Highlands, lowlands Signup and view all the answers

Remains of ancient lava flow is what?

Sinuous Rilles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Solar System Formation and Objects

The solar system formed from a collapsing spinning cloud of gas and dust.
Comets are formed from leftover materials in the solar system.
Kuiper Belt objects consist of frozen gas, ice, and dust located in the outer reaches of the solar system.

Planetary Characteristics

Both gas planets and terrestrial planets have a round shape.
Mercury is the closest planet to the sun and has a large nickel-iron core suggested by its high density.
Venus has no moons and is the brightest planet, rotating clockwise.
Mars shows evidence of tectonic activity from 3 billion years ago and is believed to have ice.

Outer Planets

Jupiter accounts for 98% of the total mass of all planets in the solar system; it features a prominent Great Red Spot.
Saturn is the largest planet and has a unique rotational axis compared to other planets, along with its rings.
Uranus spins on its side and has very tiny rings, while both Uranus and Neptune's atmospheres have similarities.
Neptune's blue color is due to methane gas present in its atmosphere, and it was predicted before its discovery.

Astronomical Phenomena

Gamma rays are the type of radiation to look for to demonstrate nuclear fusion in stars.
The expanding universe is evidenced by galaxies moving away from each other, along with decreasing temperatures.

Lunar and Celestial Features

The low crater density of the lunar maria indicates a period of heavy bombardment followed by low bombardment.
The moon shows consistent visible features from Earth, which is why we observe the same side always.
Moon's terrain includes highlands and lowlands, with ancient lava flow remnants referred to as sinuous rilles.

Observational Astronomy

The light path in a reflecting telescope is: primary mirror → secondary mirror → eyepiece → eye.
A periodic Doppler shift in a star's spectrum, alongside dips in light intensity, indicates the presence of a planet.

Earth’s Orbit

The Northern Hemisphere experiences summer when Earth is at Position 1 in its orbit.

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Description

Test your knowledge of astronomy concepts from Earth Science Unit 4 with these flashcards. Topics include the formation of the solar system, characteristics of planets, and significant scientific observations. Get ready to challenge yourself and enhance your understanding of our universe!